Revolt Against FIFA: Europe’s 55 Nations Decide to Boycott the World Cup

Sports Desk

UEFA has announced it will boycott all FIFA competitions after an emergency meeting. The decision was a harsh response to a controversial plan by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to sell FIFA shares to a private equity group for $20 billion. UEFA unanimously “totally rejected” the proposal.

As a result of this decision, powerful football countries such as Germany, France, England and world champions Spain will no longer be seen in any boys’ or girls’ World Cup.

FIFA’s $20 billion proposal

Earlier this week, Infantino announced the sale of shares in FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), which will give private investors direct influence over future World Cups, broadcasting rights and commercial deals.

If the proposal, backed by American investor Josh Kushner and the famous bank JP Morgan, is accepted, each of FIFA’s 211 member countries will receive more than $80 million by 2037. Infantino set a deadline of September 19 for accepting the proposal.

Strong anger from 55 countries

More than 50 countries directly protested against FIFA’s plan at a virtual meeting of UEFA’s 55 member nations, prompting European football’s governing body to say they would not participate in any FIFA tournaments until the plan was completely scrapped.

The first major impact of this decision is going to be felt next September, at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

UEFA’s stern warning: ‘World Cup is not for sale’

A joint statement from UEFA and its 55 member nations said:

“UEFA and its 55 member nations stand united today. We unanimously reject this proposal to hand over ownership of FIFA competitions and the World Cup to private investors. The World Cup is not an ordinary investment product. It is one of the greatest traditions of football, built on the hard work of players and fans around the world. No part of it can be handed over to private companies. The World Cup is not for sale. “

The statement made it clear that no European team will enter FIFA’s arena until the proposal is completely withdrawn and legal guarantees are received that such an initiative will never be taken in the future.

Secret alliances and FIFA’s authoritarian attitude

UEFA sees it as a grave failure on the part of FIFA to make such a sensitive decision without any prior consultation.

In a statement, UEFA said that decisions were made in secret about football’s biggest asset and were being suddenly imposed on member countries. According to UEFA, this is not a democratic decision, but an attempt to assert power through intimidation.

Fears of handing over football to investors

UEFA has issued a serious warning about the influx of private investors. According to UEFA, if outside investors gain ownership, football will forever lose its true nature. Increasing company profits will become the main goal rather than developing the game.

The game calendar, tournament rules, and the future of football—everything will then be driven by shareholder profits.

UEFA reiterated their strong position, saying:

“The future of football cannot be mortgaged for the sake of short-term money. It is not possible to line the pockets of a company by selling out the interests of players, clubs or fans. Europe’s position is clear – we will never legitimize this model.”